Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces seize positions on Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Houthi fighters

On Monday, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces seized key positions on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including large parts of Dhubab district, with heavy air support from the Saudi-led coalition. This offensive aims to reverse recent advances by the Iran-backed Houthis and secure the vital waterway. The fighting has escalated in Yemen, threatening global oil exports and raising regional tensions. The government announced its campaign on Sunday, with President Rashad al-Alimi vowing to fight until the country is liberated. The conflict, which began in 2014, has caused a major humanitarian crisis.